DERRY — It was perfect weather and a great turnout on Thursday afternoon as the town's two Rotary clubs came together to host a cookout in honor of the town's veterans.

Over 100 veterans turned out for the cookout, which was the fourth annual event sponsored by the Derry Rotary Club and the Derry Village Rotary Club.

Gov. John Lynch and U.S. Rep. Frank Guinta were both on hand to express their appreciation for the service and sacrifice of the veterans and their families.

“I enjoy talking to the veterans and learning about their histories,” said Lynch. He said the veterans and their families continue to make daily sacrifices for the citizens of New Hampshire and the country.

“Their sacrifices continue to this day, and that is something that we can't take for granted,” Lynch said.

Guinta said honoring veterans only on Memorial Day and Veterans Day is not enough.

“I can't express enough my appreciation for the veterans and what they have provided for the freedom and liberty for America,” he said. “We need to honor them every day of the year.”

Derry Police Chief Ed Garone, who helped organize the event, said the veterans were extremely appreciative of the efforts of the Rotary clubs.

“It's the veterans who are appreciative, but the fact of the matter is that we are just so thankful to them for all they have done,” said Garone.

This year, the Rotary clubs honored all Derry veterans. The first year the two clubs worked together, they brought a number of World War II veterans to Washington, D.C., to view the dedication of the World War II Memorial.

In subsequent years, the clubs held events honoring veterans of the Korean and Vietnam wars.

This year, Garone said, the clubs decided to open up the event to veterans of all eras.

Spying a 5-year-old in the crowd, U.S. Army veteran Andy Hamelin said he hoped the sacrifices he and other veterans made would be enough.

“I sincerely hope that because of what we did, he will never have to put on a uniform,” he said. “But I'm afraid that won't happen.”